NYC groups, officials sue state agency to block project that includes Nets basketball arena

NYC groups sue to block deal for Nets arena

NEW YORK — Opponents of the Brooklyn arena planned for the New Jersey Nets have filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn a state agency’s approval of the project.

The lawsuit was filed Thursday in Manhattan state Supreme Court. It seeks to block a Sept. 17 move by the Empire State Development Corp. to approve a delayed construction plan for the Atlantic Yards project.

The suit was filed by several elected officials and Brooklyn neighborhood groups.

The lawsuit is the latest of several legal challenges to the 22-acre Atlantic Yards project. The project is to include the basketball arena, office towers and apartments.

Developer Forest City Ratner says it is not surprised that opponents “who pledged to sue early and often are still suing.”